Finance Voices

Pashmeena Kothari

Assistant Vice President

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Assistant Vice President of the Graduate Finance Management Council (GFMC). My journey with GFMC began in my first semester as an international student filled with curiosity and aspirations. Through GFMC’s support, I found a sense of belonging and direction within the UTD community. This positive experience motivated me to serve initially as a Committee Chair where I was the primary point of contact for members and spearheaded the organization of educational events and workshops, gaining a deep insight into the financial interests and needs of our student body. Now, as Assistant Vice President, I am dedicated to further enhancing the GFMC’s outreach and the quality of our educational offerings. I manage all aspects of our event planning, aiming to provide enriching and impactful experiences for every attendee. With a master’s degree in advanced accountancy and over five years of experience in Corporate Finance, Accounting and Auditing from a top firm in India, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a broad perspective to our council. These experiences help me guide our activities and ensure that GFMC remains a pivotal resource for networking and professional growth. I invite all students and professionals to join us at GFMC. Whether you seek guidance or wish to contribute, your participation is crucial for fostering a rewarding finance-centric atmosphere. Feel free to reach out to me if you need support or want to enhance your experience within our finance community at UT Dallas.

Samiha Siddique

Deal Desk Officer

The GFMC student organization is dedicated to connecting incoming Finance students at JSOM with accomplished alumni, providing essential guidance through both academic and professional landscapes. Since joining the MSF program in Fall 2023, I have first-hand experienced the benefits of GFMC’s extensive support network, particularly through the impactful initiatives like the Alumni Roundtable, Excel Case Competition, and the Mentorship Program. I remember how navigating through the academic journey while focusing on extra-curricular activities and securing internship felt overwhelming but the guidance from the GFMC officers and coffee chat sessions arranged by the council made the transition much smoother. These resources have significantly contributed to my academic pursuits and helped build valuable connections with finance professionals. With my background in investment banking and as an active member of GFMC for two semesters, I am well-positioned to mentor both current and prospective finance students at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In my role as a deal desk officer, I aim to leverage my prior editorial and publications’ experiences to help students deliver insightful articles on the latest financial developments, engage in meaningful dialogue with students on financial trends, and provide targeted guidance on academic choices, resume enhancement, internship opportunities, and career development.

Sumaiya Ansari

Social Media Manager

GFMC is an invaluable organization for finance students, providing support through program ambassadors, mentors, and leaders. The council emphasizes a sense of creativity and value creation. By guiding students in their professional development and connecting them with finance professionals and alumni, GFMC enhances career prospects and professional networks. With a passion for leveraging financial expertise to drive strategic decision-making and business growth, I bring 7 years of hands-on experience in various finance roles, including FP&A, accounting, and cash flows. As a Chartered Accountant and ACCA, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Finance at UTD, focusing on Corporate Finance. I am excited to contribute to GFMC’s mission by serving as a Marketing manager and support the growth and development of finance students. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making a positive impact within the GFMC community.

Isha Bhave

General Secretary

GFMC is a student organization dedicated to uniting and assisting finance students at UTD through initiatives such as coffee chats, networking events with industry professionals and alumni, and offering mentorship programs. The organization provides a platform for students to connect with like-minded peers, make friends, build professional networks, and kickstart their journeys at UTD. Having been a member of GFMC since my initial semester, I recall the challenges faced as an international student—questions about course structures, classes, navigating the internship landscape, and adapting to life in a new country. Fortunately, GFMC leaders played a pivotal role in guiding me through these uncertainties.

Our organization is a collective of mentors ready to offer support whenever needed. As the General Secretary of GFMC, I am committed to providing support to students in both their academic pursuits and professional endeavors. I aim to offer the best guidance to everyone in every way possible. I am eager to share my learnings and experiences accumulated over 2 years of professional experience in law and finance, coupled with 1 year of academic experience here at UTD.Whether you’re a new student finding your way or a current student, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I am more than happy to share insights, provide assistant, and contribute to your growth during your time at UTD.

Marcelo Medeiros de Campos, Class of 2023

Marcelo Campos is an Oil and Gas Industry Executive with 20+ years of experience in Management, Corporate Strategy, Business Development, Sales, and Marketing. Marcelo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is currently pursuing both an MBA and M.Sc. in Business focused on Energy Management at The University of Texas.

Kushleen Chhabra

Committee Chair

I am thrilled to serve as the Committee Chair for GFMC at UTD. With a bachelor’s in finance and extensive experience in finance and insurance consulting, I bring a strong background in data analysis, communication, and equity research. At GFMC, I’m excited to organize impactful events and workshops to support your career growth and enhance our collective understanding of corporate finance, valuation, and investment banking. I aim to foster a collaborative and supportive environment where all can thrive and succeed. I look forward to connecting with industry professionals and applying what we learn practically. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

Varsha B R

President

As a student organization, GFMC is a valuable resource for incoming and current finance students. With over five years of banking industry experience and as an international student, transitioning to academic life and a new environment can be daunting. However, being part of GFMC has eased this transition through initiatives like Coffee Chat sessions and peer connections. Moreover, GFMC has played a pivotal role in helping me identify and leverage my strengths, address weaknesses, network with industry professionals, and chart my career path through activities such as Financial Advisory Board sessions, Alumni sessions, and Case competitions. Overall, GFMC has significantly contributed to my personal growth and development. As the Deal Desk Officer, I collaborated with students to share insights on recent financial developments. Now, as the GFMC President, I aim to give back to the community by providing unwavering support and guidance to graduate finance students. Together with fellow officers, we are committed to enriching student’s learning and networking experiences while equipping them with the necessary skills for their careers.

Lama Hamze , Class of 2023

I am in my first semester pursuing a master’s degree in Energy Management at UTD that would combine both my passion to learn more about the solutions and policies needed to resolve these kinds of conflicts and my experience in business.

Lisa Jaggat

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in finance and economics and her Master of Science in management science from the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas. For over eight years, she worked in the finance industry in both her native land, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in Irving, Texas.

Sadbhav Aryal , Class of 2023

Hi, my name is Sadbhav, and I am a second-semester Energy Management Student at Jindal School of Management. Dallas is my second home, and I love UTD for its vibrant environment, endless career-oriented academic opportunities, comprehensive curriculum, and beautiful campus. I have several years of working experience in energy & project management, and I joined UTD with an expectation to strengthen my abilities and fill the gap of skill shortage in energy industries.

Varun Rakesh Sharma

Vice President

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Vice President of GFMC. I embarked on my GFMC journey as a committed member during my initial semester at UT Dallas, echoing the common experience of international students who often find themselves wrestling with a multitude of questions and uncertainties regarding their academic and career trajectory. The invaluable guidance and assistance I received from fellow GFMC team members significantly contributed to smoothing my transition and wholeheartedly embracing me as part of the UTD community. In my capacity as Vice President, I am excited about my role in organizing educational events and workshops, partnering with finance experts to assist students in gaining practical expertise and achieving their career objectives. Leveraging my six years of professional background in Corporate Banking, Corporate Finance, Auditing, and Taxation, I eagerly anticipate sharing valuable perspectives and experiences with aspiring finance professionals. I firmly believe I can contribute significantly to the success of incoming and current students, extending the knowledge I’ve gained from my extensive work experience. My dedication to serving the finance community aligns with GFMC’s mission of fostering growth, knowledge-sharing, and value creation. Feel free to connect with me for any assistance or to explore how GFMC can support you in your journey at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Joshua Parr

Looking to expand his career opportunities, Joshua decided to study energy because it lies at the intersection of private enterprise and public policy. He selected the Energy Management program at UTD because its instructors have significant industry experience and because it offers practical, real-world course materials, such as authentic energy contracts.

Sanyukta Suryavanshi , Class of 2024

I am a civil engineer from V.J.T.I, Mumbai. I worked for 3 years as and engineer and later pursued my masters in Offshore Structures from NIT Calicut, Kerala. With around 6 years of experience in oil field service and equipment industry, I came to UT Dallas to study Energy Management as it offers me courses in general management and energy business. Professors at UTD are industry experts and impart the understanding in the three sectors of energy business with real world example. Through this course I aspire to work in the area of energy transition by formulating business strategy, guiding in mergers and acquisitions and public policy.

Ajay Gurram

Treasurer

GFMC stands as an admirable student organization committed to providing steadfast support to the finance student population at UTD. As a qualified Chartered Accountant returning to school as an international student after three years of professional experience, I faced a significant hurdle. However, the exceptional efforts of the GFMC officers greatly eased this process. The team, along with the program director, provided impeccable guidance and mentorship, enabling me to quickly familiarize myself with program requirements, various campus resources, the internship application process, and alumni networks.

GFMC serves as an inclusive platform that allows students to acquire new knowledge, enhance their skills, and foster a genuine sense of community in the financial industry. Drawing from my personal experiences overcoming similar challenges, I am confident in my ability to support and mentor others, just as my senior GFMC members did for me. In my roles as Treasurer and Marketing Manager of GFMC, I am dedicated and excited to share my knowledge and experiences with current and prospective students pursuing an MS in finance degree at UTD. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance navigating the finance community during your university journey.

Vedant Baniwal

GFMC Student Ambassador

As the former Committee Chair, I led initiatives to connect finance students with industry professionals through networking opportunities, company visits, and coffee chats. My efforts have been pivotal in organizing events that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience. As the former External Relations Director, I fostered strong relationships with leading finance firms, enhancing internship and job placement opportunities for our members. In the forthcoming semesters, as a Student Ambassador, I am dedicated to guiding prospective students, sharing insights from my professional background, and promoting the invaluable support system offered by GFMC. GFMC has been instrumental in my academic journey at UTD. The support from GFMC officers has provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and expand my professional network. Through their guidance, I have gained access to internships, workshops, and mentorship programs that have enriched my learning experience and prepared me for a successful career in finance. GFMC plays a crucial role in empowering finance students at UTD by providing access to a robust network of professionals, hands-on learning experiences, and mentorship opportunities. Through these initiatives, I am committed to helping students leverage these resources to achieve their career aspirations and thrive in the competitive finance industry.